Chris Collins, speaker of the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly, tweeted: “In light of the horrible news coming out of Fredericton, I have ordered all flags to half mast on legislative grounds.”

A number of emergency service vehicles were seen on the residential road when the shooting occurred.

The Fredericton Firefighters Association warned social media users not to report on police locations during the incident, writing: “Police, fire and ANB responding to an active incident. Please avoid the area of Brookside Dr between Ring and Main.

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“Stay in your house and businesses. Lock the doors and do not use social media to report on police locations. Please help keep everyone safe.”

The City of Frederiction Twitter account announced that public transport was being re-routed to avoid the Brookside Drive “until further notice”.